Assistant Head - Lower School

About the Role

ACS Hillingdon International School invites applications for an inspirational and visionary leader to head our Lower School from August 2026. This senior leadership role will drive teaching excellence, student achievement, and the personal growth and wellbeing of all Lower School pupils.

As a member of the School Leadership Team (SLT), you will operate within a matrix leadership structure, working collaboratively to ensure that Lower School students and staff thrive in an environment characterised by inspiration, challenge, and support.

The successful candidate will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Lower School, with line management responsibility for:

• Homeroom Teachers
• Student Support Services (Learning Support and EAL)
• Librarian and Library Assistant
• Wellbeing Counsellor (shared with Upper School)
• Administrative Support staff

You will play a central role in shaping curriculum, developing staff, promoting student wellbeing, and contributing to whole-school leadership across ACS Hillingdon.

Key Responsibilities

Building Professional Capacity

• Lead, manage and support the Lower School teaching team, fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration.
• Support the recruitment, induction and ongoing development of high-quality teaching staff.
• Ensure meaningful professional development opportunities that benefit both individuals and the wider school.
• Conduct staff appraisals in line with school policy.
• Maintain a strong awareness of current thinking, research and best practice in Lower School/Primary education.

Maximising Student Learning and Wellbeing

• Lead the development and delivery of a coherent, well-documented Lower School curriculum aligned with the school’s mission and teaching philosophy.
• Establish and sustain a culture of high expectations for student achievement, behaviour and wellbeing.
• Use assessment data and other evidence effectively to monitor learning, inform teaching and drive school improvement.
• Ensure clear, regular and timely communication with parents regarding student progress and development.
• Contribute to admissions decisions for Lower School students in partnership with the Admissions team.
• Support effective transition from Lower School into Upper School.
• Work with the Head of Sports & Activities to deliver a rich co-curricular programme encompassing creative, physical and experiential learning.

Promoting the School’s Mission and Values

• Foster a Lower School culture rooted in openness, respect, collaboration, enquiry and innovation.
• Act as a visible, approachable and welcoming presence for parents, students and visitors.
• Communicate Lower School developments and events to the wider school community.
• Attend school events and functions as required.
• Communicate SLT decisions clearly and supportively.
• Ensure families understand curriculum programmes and pastoral support structures within the Lower School.
• Ensure learning environments are welcoming, well-maintained and thoughtfully presented.
• Manage budget planning and expenditure in collaboration with the Business Office.

Whole-School Leadership

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive and responsive whole-school ethos.
• Promote the school effectively to prospective families.
• Collaborate with SLT colleagues on school action plans and strategic priorities.
• Keep the Head of School informed of Lower School progress, priorities and future development needs.
• Implement school policies and contribute to the wider ACS Hillingdon community.

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree or equivalent.
• Qualified Teacher Status or recognised teaching licence.
• Proven track record as a successful teacher and educational leader.
• Experience leading educational programmes across the Lower School/Primary age range.
• Ability to drive positive change, raise achievement and set high expectations for student progress and wellbeing.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Master’s degree or equivalent qualification in school leadership.
• Experience within an international school setting.

Personal Attributes

• Creative yet practical approach to curriculum design and delivery.
• Thoughtful, balanced use of educational technology.
• Confident and engaging ambassador for the Lower School.
• Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Reflective, analytical and solutions-focused leader.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong influencing skills.
• Commitment to staff development and student leadership.

This is an amazing opportunity to lead, inspire, and transform the Lower School experience at ACS Hillingdon. If you are a dynamic, forward-thinking leader ready to shape young minds, empower staff, and leave a lasting legacy in an international community, we want to hear from you. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Safeguarding

ACS is committed to inclusion across race, gender, faith, identity and abilities. We believe that diversity helps us to fulfil our purpose, realise our vision and exemplify our values.

ACS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and employees of ACS are expected to share this commitment. This position is therefore subject to pre-employment compliance checks and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check.